May 2012

Special Section: Fredericksburg

Jennifer N. Dienst

Find heritage and hospitality in this charming Virginia city

Fredericksburg - a favorite with leisure travelers for its rich history - is growing in popularity with groups who favor modern amenities in a quaint, historical setting. In addition to state-of-the-art meeting facilities, Fredericksburg’s wide variety of attractions, from historical sites to golf to wineries, make interesting options for off-site events or pre- and post-meeting activities.

The 110,000-square-foot Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose expo and conference center capable of hosting trade shows of all kinds, as well as special events, meetings, and conventions. For smaller gatherings, groups have a number of unusual venues to choose from, like the 87-acre Stevenson Ridge bed-and-breakfast, historic sites such as the Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, and the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

History buffs will find plenty to explore when meetings conclude for the day. Fredericksburg is home to the Mary Washington House, where George Washington’s mother resided, and Kenmore Plantation, which contains some of Colonial America’s most elaborate plasterwork. When night falls, groups can explore the city’s spookier side with a ghost tour of Fredericksburg’s historic downtown.